Astronomics 3D Counterweight System

Astronomics 3D Counterweight System

I needed a counterweight system for my Meade 10" LX200 Classic Telescope. I was going to be mounting cameras and guidescopes on the OTA, so I was going to need quite a bit of flexibility in my counterweight system. The Meade 2D Counterweight System on my 8" LX200 did a good job, but forced me to be creative in my placement of accessories for balance. This was an alternative, but it wasn't the ideal situation. I purchased the 10" counterweight system for the Meade 10"SCT from Astronomics.

The unit arrived and it was extremely easy to install. I grabbed my Canon 10D digital camera body and installed my large 300MM f2.8 telephoto lens. This is a rather large camera setup, but I had no problem getting the balance on the 10" scope using the Astronomics 3D system. The ability to move the weight away from the body tube is extremely useful in balancing loads with a minimum amount of weight. The amount of weight that came with the system (7.5 pounds), along with the ability of moving the weights out along the third axis away from the OTA made the need for extra weight unnecessary. I have never had the need to use all 7.5 pounds of counterweight with this system. The mobility of placement of the 5 pound weight usually satisfies my needs.

The weight simply screw onto the shaft for placement along the third axis. the entire weight assembly can be slid along the dovetail rail for optimum balance. This is a very nice system and I highly recommend it.

 

Mike Overacker